A new study suggests that crabs and lobsters may experience pain similarly to humans and other animals. It was previously believed that decapods’ (crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimp, and prawns) nervous systems were too simple to feel pain and that any reaction to being boiled was a reflex response. Given the outcomes of this study, scientists are pushing for a ban on boiling crabs and lobsters until further research can be conducted.
New study shows crabs feel pain
The study measuring whether crabs felt pain was first published in Biology in October 2024. In it, scientists measured brain activity in crabs exposed to potentially painful stimuli. By attaching electrodes to their nervous systems, they observed increased activity in response to chemical irritants and physical pressure. These findings indicate crabs have pain signaling systems processing harmful stimuli, similar to other animals known to feel pain.
In many places, animal welfare laws do not cover crustaceans, so no regulations ensure their humane treatment. Currently, boiling crabs and lobsters alive is the most common way to prepare them. However, with research suggesting they can experience pain, there are calls to reconsider these methods. Some advocate for more humane ways to handle and cook them, such as electrical stunning before boiling. Scientists hope the new findings will lead to discussions about updating laws to include crustaceans, aiming to minimize suffering.
Many were taught that decapods can’t feel pain and that it was perfectly ethical to boil them. However, if that fact is turned on its head, consumers might consider this research when choosing seafood. It will also likely have significant implications for the industry if crabs and lobsters end up being covered by animal cruelty laws. Both are considered to be expensive foodstuffs in many parts of the world, and this could result in the price for both of them going even higher. However, whether the results of the study can be duplicated remains to be seen, and we likely won’t see any changes until we have a definitive answer.
